Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a family of circa 10,000 synthetic chemicals, used in many consumer products (clothing, carpeting, food packaging etc.) and industrial processes, to make items water and/or stain resistant. They have, however, long-established problems. PFASs are known as 'forever chemicals' as they're not broken down in the environment. They're becoming ubiquitous, being even found in rainwater across the globe. PFASs have also been shown to influence disease (e.g. cancers) and fertility in humans as well as other animals. It's now been estimated that a clean-up of 'forever chemicals' in the UK and Europe will take at least 20 years. The costs to the entire continent is estimated at £1.6tn. The UK alone would have to pay £9.9bn per year. Under these circumstances, one might have thought that PFAS producers would be ceasing making these compounds. In actuality, however, they are following the 'tobacco playbook' to fend off regulation. This play book involves casting doubts on findings and finding excuses for delaying actions (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/14/cost-clean-up-toxic-pfas-pollution-forever-chemicals). The 'forever chemical' problem is yet another human-manufactured health crisis. There must be better ways of bringing rogue manufactures to heel. The trouble is that producers can be tricky. If they are rich enough, they can 'get away with murder', reinventing themselves. It's notable that the aforementioned tobacco companies are now producers of vapes. They are, of course, creating the next generation of nicotine addicts, as well as causing considerable environmental problems. Nothings stops our profits!
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